Warner Brothers has now issued their formal press release on making Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in two films. Following on what we reported yesterday, Warner Brothers confirm again that David Yates will direct both films, marking the first time any one director will helm more than two releases in the Harry Potter film franchise, with Steve Kloves to continue on as screenwriter and David Heyman and David Barron to produce. Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Brothers said “It has been an honor for our studio to be entrusted with bringing J.K. Rowling’s extraordinary book series to the screen, and we have always felt a great responsibility to be true to her vision. In concluding the film franchise, we recognized that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is packed with vital plot points that complete the story arcs of all of its beloved characters. That said, we feel that the best way to do the book, and its many fans, justice is to expand the screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and release the film in two parts. We could not imagine the final chapter of the film franchise being in better hands than those of David Yates.”
Additional quotage from the release is as follows: “This is a very special moment for us, as it is the final episode in the great journey that J.K. Rowling undertook more than a decade ago,” said Alan Horn, President and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment. “It has been a journey for all of us at Warner Bros. as well, and we are confident that our filmmakers will finish our series of films as a fitting complement to Jo’s completion of Harry’s story on the page.”
“Over ten years ago, we made a commitment to Jo Rowling that, above all else, we would be faithful and true to the spirit of her books, and ever since we have endeavored never to compromise on the creative ambitions of the films. The Deathly Hallows is so rich, the story so dense and there is so much that is resolved that after discussing it with Jo, we came to the conclusion that two parts were needed to do it justice” said David Heyman. “I am thrilled that David Yates is returning to direct ‘The Deathly Hallows.’ He is both inspired and inspiring and is a passionate fan of the remarkable world and characters Jo has created. I know he will lead our incomparable cast and crew—most of whom have been with us since the very beginning—in bringing the series to the unforgettable conclusion it deserves.”
Director David Yates remarked, “I’ve had great pleasure working with a tremendous cast and crew thus far, on both ‘the Order of the Phoenix’ and ‘the Half-Blood Prince.’ It’s a wonderful world to work in and be part of and to create within, and I consider it a great privilege to continue to bring Jo’s extraordinary world to the screen, and to be the director to complete this epic and exhilarating journey.”
As reported previously, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part one and Two will be filmed at the same time, beginning production in February of 2009, with “Deathly Hallows: Part One” to be released in movie theaters November of 2010, and Part Two due May 2011.
I liked Yates. I think he’ll do it justice. And can I just say YAAAAAHHHOOOO that we might just get everything out of the book for once! Not have it spliced to oblivion for the sake of saving movie time. I’m deliriously happy. No way could they (any director, any screenwriter, any actor) have done it justice in a mere 2.5 hours.
Of course WB has to recognize that they’ll also be getting twice as much in ticket and dvd sales. At this point, I don’t care, as long as they make the movies worth 2 separate movies and not just for the sake of dragging it out.
This is sooooo great!!!! The only trouble Im having with it is…where are they going to ‘to be continued’ it? My guess would be In Godrics Hollow, right after the whole ordeal, as Harry and Hermione leave. Any thoughts???
I am glad that they are doing this, and I am overjoyed that they got David Yates as the director, but, if they mess these movies up, then the hardcore fans will be very unhappy. I hope they do this right.
Not too happy about Yates directing again coz i was dissapointed with OOTP but hopefully he’ll do it justice and not leave anything out this time. fingers crossed! In the press release they said they wanted to be true to the books, thats total crap. Its a money scam. If they wanted to be true to the books they would have made OOTP longer and more detailed, focusing on relationships. I thought the Harry/Cho thing was a joke, and why was there only ONE Ron/Hermione scene. Anyway i’m not gong to complain or mention the long list of mistakes I noticed in OOTP there’s no point. I just hope they do better with the next 3 films. Anyone agree? If you dissagree thats fine I don’t mind, please don’t bite my head of for having an opinion.
@ Panz , whether you think so or not its not to make more money – Dan already said that its in the best interest of the book and its the last film. I am very happy about it, there are alot of things that are too important to keep out and explain, I just hope that they bring back some of the other characters like Dobby. And all the actors return.
Victoria – it has to be after Ron comes back and they can end on an up note celebrating the destruction of the first Horcrux.
I see many of you like Yates as director. There was a lot of venom towards him in responses to the last article and I didn’t understand it. I liked Order of the Phoenix – Umbridge was a gem and young Daniel Radcliffe’s t-shirt was just the right level of tightness in the opening scene – reow!
I think Shell Cottage would make the most sense in my mind. Yes, it’s not in the middle of the story, but it ends on a dramatic note: The death of Dobby. Then you can begin part two by breaking into Gringotts. There are a couple of problems though: 1) we haven’t seen Dobby since film 2. Will none book fans care if this weird creature dies? 2) Part two will be a little short, but definitely action packed. The battle scene could be an hour and a half in and of itself.
The one thing I think they have to do regardless of where they cut the film will be moving the Xeno scene to earlier in the film. You can’t call a film Deathly Hallows if it’s not explained in the first part of the film.
I am reading Deathly Hallows again with a new “atitude” ... sort of …. Now it is like “Oh Good they can include …” rather than “I hope they don’t have to edit out …”
I am so looking forward to actually seeing wonderful details on screen rather than just in my mind’s eye.
Malfoy Manor, the return of Ollivander and Dobby, Bill and Fluer, the Battle at Hogwarts! ...the list is endless! I’m so excited!!!!!
I can’t wait to see the Epilogue … I know I will have tears in my eyes … I did with the book so I am sure it will happen with the movie!
I am so glad that WB had the insight to leave this monumentally important part of the cherished series in such capable hands! And that he accepted the challenge! I am not just referring to the Director but ALL the techies and actors that have labored so long to bring our favorite author’s cherished series to life!
Good point mollywobbles: We haven’t seen Dobby since moive two so are people who have never read the books really going to care about his death. Its going to be so radom, in the films Harry hasn’t seen Dobby in years and he’s mourning his death. It won’t make sense to a lot of people.
I am ecstatic about the 2-Film Release of Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows – but only if the 2 Films are of decent length. Let’s hope that at least one of the Harry Potter Books gets the screen time it deserves.
I can see why David Yates would continue on with the Harry Potter Franchise to keep continuity. A rare director can, like Peter Jackson – pull out many tricks from their hat. Let’s hope the magic of Hogwart’s has rubbed off on David Yates.
I hope to see Professor Mcgonagal’s writing desks turn into fighting defenders during the War of Hogwarts. It better not be in the deleted scenes now that the Deathly Hallows is in two parts.
This gives me something to look forward to – I quite liked it when the Matrix series left you with a cliff hanger. Please don’t split the films when Ron has a pout fest and parts company with Harry & Hermione. That’s not a cliffhanger! People will just think Ron spoiled the film from continuing on.
Not too happy about Yates directing again coz i was dissapointed with OOTP but hopefully he’ll do it justice and not leave anything out this time. fingers crossed! In the press release they said they wanted to be true to the books, thats total crap. Its a money scam. If they wanted to be true to the books they would have made OOTP longer and more detailed, focusing more on relationships and character development. I thought the Harry/Cho thing was a joke, and why was there only ONE Ron/Hermione scene. The characters were badly portrayed i thought. The only two characters that were totally accurate were Luna and Umbridge. Anyway i’m not gong to complain or mention the long list of mistakes I noticed in OOTP there’s no point. I just hope they do better with the next 3 films. Anyone agree? If you dissagree thats fine I don’t mind, please don’t bite my head of for having an opinion.
I just implore WB to change the soundtrack compositor… Nicholas Hooper was AWFUL! Please bring back John Williams for Deathly Hallows!
The only thing that, unlike other films, I didn’t like about OotP was the direction of photography.
"Look at this!" said Malfoy in ecstasy, holding up Ron's robes and showing Crabbe and Goyle, "Weasley, you weren't thinking of [i]wearing[/i] these, were you? I mean -- they were very fashionable in about eighteen ninety...."
Debbie – 3, definitely 3.
The first film will be much more cerebral and introspective and the second all action.